This document summarizes the Indian Ministry of Culture's response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 163, concerning the renovation of the Kundrandar Temple in Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu. The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, confirmed that the Rock-Cut Siva Temple and Car Mantapan at Kunnandarkovil are recognized as monuments of national importance and are under the care and maintenance of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The response clarifies that regular maintenance and conservation works are conducted periodically, based on requirements, priorities, and available resources, adhering to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958 and conservation policy. An Annual Conservation Plan (ACP) has been developed for the current financial year, with a budget allocation of Rs. 12,00,000 (1.2 million Indian Rupees) dedicated to the monument's maintenance and conservation.
The Ministry asserts that all 412 protected monuments and areas under the ASI's jurisdiction in Tamil Nadu, including the Kundrandar Temple, undergo regular maintenance and conservation. ASI officers conduct periodic inspections to monitor the status of these sites and address any necessary repairs, ensuring the continued upkeep and protection of these heritage structures.
Key Entities Referenced
Kundrandar Temple, Tamil Nadu: A historically significant temple located in Tamil Nadu, the subject of renovation and maintenance concerns.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): The Indian government agency responsible for the protection and preservation of historical monuments, including the Kundrandar Temple.
SHRI DURAI VAIKO: Member of LOK SABHA who raised a question regarding the renovation of Kundrandar Temple.
SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT: The Minister of Culture and Tourism who provided the answer regarding the Kundrandar Temple renovation.
Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu: The district in Tamil Nadu where the Kundrandar Temple is located.
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958: The legislation governing the maintenance and conservation of ancient monuments in India, relevant to the temple's upkeep.
Annual Conservation Plan (ACP): A plan made by ASI for the conservation of monuments.
RockCut Siva Temple, Car Mantapan with wheels in the front part of the Plinth, locality Kunnandarkovil, district Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu: The full official name and description of the temple under the care of the ASI.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CULTURE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.163
ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025
RENOVATION OF KUNDRANDAR TEMPLE, TAMIL NADU
163. SHRI DURAI VAIKO:
Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Kundrandar Temple located in Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu is
under the protection and control of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and if
so, the details thereof;
(b) whether it is true that conservation and maintenance works at the temple have
been halted or remained unattended for over 25 years;
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons for the prolonged inaction and
neglect in carrying out the structural conservation and restoration of historically
significant site;
(d) whether the Government has any plans to resume and complete the restoration
and maintenance works at the said site at the earliest;
(e) if so, the details thereof including the timeline and budget allocation; and
(f) whether the Government is contemplating to periodic monitoring and proper
upkeep of heritage structures like Kundrandar Temple under ASI’s control in the
Tamil Nadu State and if so, the details thereof
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) The Rock-Cut Siva Temple, Car Mantapan with wheels in the front part of the
Plinth, locality Kunnandarkovil, district Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu is a monument of
national importance under the care and maintenance of Archaeological Survey of
India (ASI).
(b) Regular maintenance and conservation works are taken up periodically based on
& the requirement priority and resources available considering provisions of the
(c) Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958, and also
conservation policy.
(d) Maintenance and conservation of the monument are regular process of work.
& Accordingly an Annual Conservation Plan (ACP) for the said monument is made for
(e) an amount of Rs.12,00,000/ for the current financial year.
(f) The 412 protected monuments and protected areas under the jurisdiction of the
ASI in the State of Tamil Nadu, including the said temple are being regularly
maintained and conserved. The officers of ASI conduct periodic inspections to
monitor the status of conservation, maintenance, and any necessary repair works
of these protected monuments and areas. These efforts ensure the proper upkeep
and protection of heritage structures within the State.
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